Calgary home shut down after allegations of drug use, violent crime

Alberta sheriffs have closed a Calgary home that officers were called to frequently for allegations of drug use, assaults, thefts and other criminal activity.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit (SCAN) closed the Forest Lawn home, located at 1523 51 St. S.E., on Wednesday.

The property will be boarded up and fenced off, and all the locks will be changed.

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Fourteen specific people are banned from entering the home for 90 days, until the closure period ends on Aug. 4, and all leases and tenancy agreements have been terminated.

A community safety order for the home will remain in effect for an additional two years, until Aug. 4, 2028.

SCAN began investigating the home in August 2025.

“We received complaints back in August 2025 about suspected drug activity at this property from members of the community, and we received two additional complaints after that,” said Christopher Fitzsimmons with SCAN. "

Fitzsimmons says the home was the site of two suspected drug overdoses in recent years while Calgary Police Service attended the property 75 times in 2025.

Officials say SCAN observed “steady foot traffic at all hours, individuals using drugs in the community and appearing heavily intoxicated and activity consistent with drug trafficking.”

A month later, in September 2025, police seized weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia from the home.

Christopher Fitzsimmons with SCAN says the closure of the home reflects months of careful investigation and surveillance

“Our first priority is always to work with property owners to stop illegal activity and resolve issues voluntarily,” he said. “When that doesn’t happen, we will use the authorities available under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act to take decisive action and protect public safety.”

According to Fitzsimmons, SCAN has worked with social assistance agencies prior to the closure to help the displaced individuals find a place to live.